Joanna Hardy visiting mines in Madagascar
With coloured gemstones, as the name suggests, it's all about the colour: if a stone makes you look twice at it then it may be the stone for you.
There are three characteristics you should look for in colour: hue in terms of the overall colour; saturation, meaning the colour needs to be even throughout; and tone, which relates to the lightness and darkness of the colour. Natural impurities in the gem called inclusions are the stone's DNA; inclusions were formed either at the same time as the host material or evolved as the mineral travelled up to the earth's surface. These inclusions give the gem it's unique character.
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And For the Investor In You
When a stone is being bought as an investment it is advisable to gain a recognised gemmological report which will clarify whether a stone has been treated. Ideally, especially if buying a ruby, emerald or sapphire it is best to buy a stone that has not been treated, but this will greatly affect the price as unheated or not having undergone any treatment will generate a much higher price. Where appropriate a gemmological report will be included with certain gemstones on the Stone Vault platform.
We are spoilt when we look in high-end jewellery shop windows and see the amazing array of gemstones, for these stones are a very small percentage of what is found in gem deposits as the majority found are not gem quality or suitable for jewellery.
Through the Stone Vault I hope to encourage people to explore the wonderful world of gemstones and to inspire creativity, either by designing your own jewel and have it made by one of our recommended goldsmiths or have your favourite jewellery designer/maker turn your gem of choice into a future heirloom
Whichever it is, the most important thing is that the stone you choose should make you smile. Being connected to a gemstone that was born millions of years ago is a very special experience.
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